Religious language Myths Religious language as non-cognitive and mythical: Complex form of mythical language that communicates values and insights into purpose of existence. Supportive evidence – different forms of myths to convey meaning: creation myths; myths of good against evil; heroic myths. Myths help to overcome fears of the unknown; myths effective way of transmitting religious, social and ethical values. Challenges: problem of competing myths; meanings of myths change over time as they reflect the values of society as societal constructs; demythologisation of myths results in varying interpretations, myths often incompatible with scientific understanding of the world

Religious language as non-cognitive A view of religious language that argues that its function is not to inform or contain factual information. Non-cognitive language includes ethical and moral propositions linked to some theories of ethical language, or an expression of emotion such as a scream.

What are myths and metaphors? Use symbols, metaphor and allegory Story not true but explain truths Stories in Old Testament Metaphors convey meaning behind story

There are three senses in which a myth could convey a religious truth – page 21 Myths can inspire faith and morality Myths can provide a means to talk about things beyond everyday language Randall – myths open up new levels of understanding

What is an aetiological myth? Myth about how things came about and were caused – origin of universe and components

Aetiological and good and evil myths Chinese Greek – good and evil Christian and Jewish

Common themes in creation myths In groups Read the three creation myths Identify common themes Chaotic formless state existed before the creation of the universe (body of water) A god who exists in a void performs some action which results in the universe coming into being Human appear, usually in the final stage This appearance reflects a link between humans and the supernatural creative force

Why might interpreting religious language as mythological make it more credible? 24 To reject mythological language is to reject many religious beliefs underlying it Gilkey argued for the continued use of myth in the modern scientific world and the continued relevance of symbols and myths in the modern world – can convey God’s power e.g. creation Through the language of myth we see how our thinking has evolved Even people who are not religious are still influenced by myths and symbols and they help us to interpret the world It is an easy way to understand abstract ideas

Why are there problems with using myths in religious language? 26 Outdated concepts Bultman Jesus ‘Lost in translation’

Explain why some Christians are critical of interpreting religious language as myth. Discuss your ideas in your group Write on post its Stick on board Create a class list of ideas

‘Myths are meaningless stories’ Discuss How successfully do the ideas of myths, symbols and metaphors defend religious language from the accusation that is meaningless because it can’t be verified or falsified? Successful Unsuccessful ‘Myths are meaningless stories’ Discuss

‘Symbols help people to understand the mystery of God’ Discuss

Make notes on Braithwaite’s view of religious language as moral discourse

Homework Complete all activities in the booklet up to page 26 Research and ensure you bring into college examples of creation myths, myths of good and evil and heroic myths – one Christian and one other Read and make notes on the article about Wittgenstein at the back of the booklet